New York,: Newly crowned Miss Universe Paulina Vega feels she has set an example for young girls to become "intelligent" women "with a great heart"

The Colombian beauty left behind 87 contestants, including India's Noyonita Lodh, to win the crown in Miami Sunday night.

The 22-year-old opened up about winning the title in an interview with people.com saying: “When we participate in a pageant, we are examples to young and teenage girls. It's very delicate.

“I want to demonstrate that it is not the most important thing to be beautiful and have a glamorous life. It's about feeling beautiful. Become an intelligent, professional, hardworking woman with a great heart. That is the example I want to set,” she added.

Vega, who represented Colombia at the 63rd Miss Universe Pageant, is currently residing in New York and admits that she is “living the dream.”

“My whole life I have dreamed to live in New York City and now I am living the dream. I love to walk the streets and see the movements and the vibe of the city.”